Business breakfast event focuses on being responsible employer in uncertain times
A breakfast event takes place on 24 November offering businesses and organisations in the Scottish Borders ideas on how to be a responsible employer, even in challenging times.
We have teamed up with Institute of Directors (IoD) and Living Wage Scotland to host the business breakfast.
The breakfast session will provide businesses and organisations the chance to find out more about how committing to being a responsible employer through Fair Work can be an opportunity, rather than another challenge.
There will also be advice around what practical steps businesses can do to manage the ongoing energy crisis.
Details
-
Thursday 24 November at SOSE’s Ettrick Riverside offices in Selkirk
-
Runs from 8.15am to 10.30am, with breakfast provided
-
Open to all but in particular business owners, managers and HR professionals
-
Anyone wishing to sign up for the business breakfast can do so free of charge by clicking here.
Business breakfast speakers and topics
-
Catherine McWilliam, Nations Director for Scotland, IoD
-
Christine McCaig, Manager at Living Wage Scotland - summary of Living Wage Week
-
Seonaid Mann, SOSE’s Fair Work and Equalities Lead - addressing everyday business challenges through the lens of Fair Work
-
Paul Wheelhouse, SOSE’s Energy Transition Lead - what can businesses do to help themselves in practical terms and why does it matter
-
Alistair Cameron, CEO at Scotmas – the positive impact of implementing Fair Working practices in their workplace.
What is Fair Work?
Fair Work is a Scottish Government commitment which aims to give every worker in Scotland an effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect.
Fair Work also aims to help improve job quality and ensure every working person has a benchmark of what to expect in their workplace.
The South of Scotland Business Panel Survey earlier this year showed three-quarters of local businesses and social enterprises were taking measures to support Fair Work in their workplace.
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE
“We know this is a hugely uncertain time for everyone, when businesses and organisations do not want to add to the challenges they already face.
"Being a responsible employer is even more important during challenging times, and can generate mutual benefits for individuals, organisations and wider society.
“The business breakfast we are hosting with the Institute of Directors and Living Wage Scotland will highlight the opportunities presented by being a responsible employer, and it would be fantastic to see as many local businesses and organisations as possible attend.”
Catherine McWilliam, Nations Director – Scotland at IoD
“Across Scottish boardrooms, leaders are having to make tough decisions almost daily.
“Skills shortages, recruitment challenges and retaining talent are all key concerns for leaders at the moment.
"Being a Fair Work employer demonstrates a commitment to ensuring staff are looked after, their voices are heard and their growth is championed.
“This event will be a great way for attendees to collaborate and share their experiences, as well as hearing from speakers who will give practical advice and steps on how to be a responsible employer through the Fair Work framework.“
Christine McCaig, Interim Manager, Living Wage Scotland
“Ensuring that staff are paid at least the real Living Wage is the single most important thing employers can do to support their people with rising living costs.
“Businesses who pay the real Living Wage reap the benefits in terms of better recruitment and retention, less sickness absence and a more motivated workforce while helping to redistribute wealth more evenly and boost the local economy.
“We commend the leadership of the more than 2,800 accredited Living Wage employers across Scotland and hope that employers in the Scottish Borders will come along to this event to learn about the opportunities paying the real Living Wage brings and join the movement.”